Democracy Dispatch

Act 181 and Vermont's Land Use Policy

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council, to break down one of the most significant overhauls of Vermont’s land use system in decades. We explore the foundations of Act 250, the goals behind Act 181, and what lawmakers are aiming to address with S.325.
Lauren walks us through how these policies are designed to balance housing needs with long-standing conservation priorities, and what implementation looks like on the ground. We also dig into the growing backlash from rural Vermonters, recent protests at the Statehouse, and the key concerns shaping this evolving debate.

Checking in with Sen. Anne Watson on Climate, Water, and Land Use Policy

We check in with friend of the podcast, Sen. Anne Watson, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, for a conversation about the policies shaping Vermont’s future.
We dig into Act 181 and what it means for land use reform, housing, and conservation, along with efforts to reduce road salt pollution and protect water quality. We also take a step back to look at the broader work of the committee - from climate and energy policy to affordability - and what’s ahead as legislation "crosses over" from the House.
It’s a wide-ranging conversation about how Vermont is balancing growth, environmental protection, and the needs of its communities.

2026 Halftime Report

It's crossover, which means our annual Halftime Report episode. VCV's Justin Marsh and Dan Fingas discuss the current legislative session in Vermont, and give updates on environmental and democracy policies, clean energy initiatives, and housing legislation. They highlight key bills, including those addressing toxics, clean water, and voter protections, while also looking ahead to future legislative actions to be expected.

Back to the Atom? Vermont Reconsiders Nuclear Energy

In this episode, we begin with a conversation about nuclear energy and why it’s back on the policy agenda in Vermont. As electricity demand grows and climate deadlines loom, I’m joined by Rep. Kath James (D-Manchester) to explore whether nuclear power is truly “clean,” what the environmental and cost impacts could be, and how Vermont’s experience with Vermont Yankee shapes today’s debate. Then, in a separate segment, we revisit one of the podcast’s earliest conversations, a democracy discussion with Susan Clark, reflecting on Vermont’s unique tradition of local democracy and how communities navigate big, complex decisions together.

Pause or Prepare? Two Paths on Data Center Policy

Artificial intelligence is booming. Cloud computing is expanding. And across the country, massive data centers are being proposed and built at a rapid pace - facilities that can consume as much electricity as small cities and require significant water, land, and grid infrastructure.
Vermont doesn’t currently have a large-scale data center proposal on the table. But lawmakers are asking a proactive question: What happens if one comes? And more importantly, are we ready?
Today we’re talking about two different legislative approaches aimed at preparing Vermont for that possibility. One would establish a regulatory framework for siting and reviewing data centers before they arrive. The other would place a temporary pause - a moratorium - to give the state time to study the impacts and craft long-term policy.
At the heart of this debate are some big questions: How do we balance economic opportunity with environmental responsibility? How do large energy users affect grid reliability and ratepayers? And how does data center development align, or clash, with Vermont’s climate and clean energy goals?
We’ll also dig into testimony from utilities like Green Mountain Power, which suggested that bringing a heavy energy load onto the system could potentially lower rates by spreading fixed costs across more customers. Is that a benefit? A risk? Or both?
Joining us to break this down are Senator Rebecca White and Representative Laura Sibilia, who are leading these efforts in the Legislature.

Waste Not: Vermonters Building a Circular Economy

What if one of the most powerful climate solutions isn’t a new technology — but simply using what we already have?
On this episode of Democracy Dispatch, we explore the growing zero-waste movement in Vermont and the local businesses turning reuse into real-world action.
Lucy Higgins, creator of The Loop, is launching a new app that helps families freely exchange children’s clothing — reducing textile waste while saving parents money and building community connections.
Jamie McKenzie, founder of Rise Up Refill in Waterbury, is rethinking everyday consumption through a plastic-free refill store model that cuts packaging waste and challenges the culture of single-use convenience.
And Erich Kruger of Deconstruction Works in Dummerston is tackling waste at an entirely different scale — salvaging materials from buildings through green deconstruction and keeping tons of usable wood and fixtures out of landfills.
From closets to kitchens to construction sites, this conversation looks at how a circular economy can strengthen local communities, reduce emissions, and reshape how we think about consumption. Because if we’re serious about climate, affordability, and resilience, we can’t just talk about what we build next, we also have to rethink what we throw away.

Treasurer Pieciak is Delivering on Affordability

In this conversation, Treasurer Mike Pieciak discusses the pressing affordability issues facing Vermonters, particularly in housing and healthcare. He outlines the initiatives his office is undertaking, including investments in housing, the unclaimed property program, and the Vermont Saves retirement initiative. The conversation also covers innovative programs like Baby Bonds aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, medical debt relief efforts, and the establishment of a green bank to support clean energy projects. Pieciak emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in addressing these challenges and improving the quality of life for all Vermonters.

Taxing the Richest Vermonters to Recapture Federal Tax Cuts

In this conversation, Anika Heilweil discusses her work with the Public Assets Institute and the Fair Share Vermont campaign, focusing on the need for progressive taxation in Vermont. She explains the differences between progressive and regressive taxes, the current fiscal context in Vermont, and the proposed tax policies aimed at increasing revenue from the wealthiest Vermonters. The discussion also addresses public sentiment regarding tax increases, the implications of second home ownership, and the importance of utilizing tax revenue for community needs. Anika emphasizes the need for legislative action and encourages listeners to get involved in advocating for these changes.

Paraquat: The Deadly Toxic Vermont Should Ban

Sen Martine Larocque Gulick, a democrat from Burlington, and Anna Seuberling of VPIRG discuss the pressing issue of toxic chemicals, the health risks associated with paraquat, personal motivations for advocating its ban, and the legislative process involved. We also touch on other toxic substances, including an update on neonicotinoids and artificial dyes, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen Vermont's toxics legislation.

Previewing the 2026 Election After One Year of Trump

For Vermonters who care deeply about the environment and climate, the 2024 election was a setback. And nationally, I think the term ‘setback’ doesn’t do justice to the grim reality. Our national partner, League of Conservation Voters, recently published a memo outlining the costs to Americans after one year of the Trump administration. Despite Trump’s pledge to cut energy prices in half, household electric bills are up 13% and residential gas prices are up nearly 60%.
Utility companies have raised or proposed $85.8 billion in rate hikes on families, while currently one in six households is now behind on their energy bills.
And that’s only his impact in the energy sector.
According to a recent CNN poll, 58% consider the first year of Trump’s term a failure. As we edge closer to the 2026 midterm elections, the federal government’s effects will undoubtedly have implications for members of Trump’s Republican Party across the nation and here in Vermont, where their party averages a 20% environmental voting score. 
On this week’s Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I welcome back Tom Hughes, senior strategist at VPIRG and VCV board member. Tom and I discuss how Vermont's political landscape is changing with new candidates emerging, how the community is mobilized responding to immigration issues, and how education spending and property taxes will be critical issues for voters this year. 
Listen in as we assess how recent events, including numerous resignations, are reshaping the electoral landscape. We also play a game of Step Up or Step Down, where Tom indicates how top elected officials in the state have been stepping it up - or not - over the last year.
Also on the podcast, I give updates on the latest positive movement for some climate bills here in Vermont, as well as some troubling action in Congress attempting to weaken national chemical safety laws.